The first “Simon Dark” made for a murky but decent read — pretty much what you’d expect from the guy behind “30 Days of Night.” This second ish is even better, with more creepy and more insight into the modern Prometheus trying to protect Gotham City. Scott Niles has a cool character here that’s thankfully already showing depth instead of just a pretty scary face. Oh, and Scott Hampton’s art plays in the “Dark” beautifully.

The Asgardian roundup continues with three dudes whose silhouettes on the cover leave little to any Midgardian’s imagination. With Thor, J. Michael Straczynski has an appropriate character for his lofty storytelling and majestic navel gazing. But sooner or later we’d better see some action instead of just this majestic posturing. Otherwise we might end up with Brad Meltzer’s early “JLA” issues — a smart but prolonged roll call.

Talk about stretching a compelling story way too thin. Had Greg Pak and John Romita Jr. done “WWH” in three issues instead of five I might have enjoyed it more, but I guess you can’t milk an event for tie-ins unless it’s a sprawling mess. The best way to have shown the Hulk’s rage in what should have been a heartbreaking story (dude did lose his love and unborn child) was not as a sputtering simmer but as a fast rolling boil. The Hulk has lost all he holds dear — just let him lash out first and explain things later. And not even ridiculous climactic fisticuffs with the Sentry can make up for that. There was a time when the tale of the Hulk really smashed. Now Hulk kinda sucks.

Grant Morrison conjures up some clever, quirky Superman stories. Too bad Frank Quitely’s art doesn’t meet the narrative bar. This book already reads like it’s unfolding in Grant Morrison’s subconscious — no need to draw it like it’s floating in there, too. (Translation for Frank: Spend less time finessing those Cabbage Patch Kid faces and more time actually drawing backgrounds.) Aside from an excessive need to make Clark Kent into a lumbering tool, “Curse of the Replacement Supermen” is yet another quaint Morrison gem. One that deserves more polish from Quitely’s pencils.

I don’t care if my shop guy told me he got this to me late — I just couldn’t pick up the latest “Mice Templar” with an issue of “Mouse Guard” in my box. The latest “Guard” is typical David Petersen greatness — delicate narration with exquisite art. ‘Nuff said.

Avengers of any kind fighting New Yorkers turned into symbiotes doesn’t call for a prolonged recap, even if it’s Luke Cage telling the tale. That aside, the best thing about this ish is what’s coming up next — a big throwdown with the Hood. Oh, and Leinil Yu’s art actually looks pretty good here, too.

Peter David can’t ignore “Messiah Complex” anymore than the rest of Marvel’s X-writers, but at least he doesn’t phone it in. Granted, the edgy humor has been dialed back a bit to advance the big tale, but you still get those signature “X-Factor” moments. (Cue the familiar Layla joke.) I almost wish David was the only writer on “Messiah.” Then I might actually pick up the other 56,432,195 tie-ins.

Here’s one book you better pick up. Because I’m asserting myself now. I do that sometimes.

No sophomore slump here, folks. The Luna brothers clearly have a winner in “The Sword” with its smart, nuanced storytelling and clean art that’s as delicate as it is deliberate. Unlike “Thor,” which is so self-aware of taking its damn sweet time it’s starting to get embarrassing, “The Sword” flows like a cool stream you trust will make the journey just as intriguing as the destination. And you know you can trust these storytellers, especially when it’s only the second issue and already we have just the right amount of insight into Dara’s dad that really shows this title has some serious thought invested in it. It’s really this simple: “The Sword” is a rich tale to be savored.